Positionable Delivery Device and Method

ABSTRACT

A cartridge for delivery of a material therefrom which has a corrugated portion to allow for bending/extending to be applied to the device from which a material to be deposited can be dispensed. The bendability and extendibility allow for greater efficiency in use and application of the material into cavities, pockets, and/or crevices where one needs to deposit the material.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to a cartridge for delivery of asubstance and methods of delivering the same to a cavity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Physicians use a variety of instruments to deliver a medicament todifferent cavities in a mammalian body. A typical instrument used todeliver a medicament is a syringe with a needle or a cartridge. Needlesand cartridges can be made using a metal or a non-metal material. Onesuch example of a mammalian cavity is the cavity between the gums andteeth. Dentists routinely deliver medicaments to this cavity in aneffort to treat periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a term used to describe dental conditionsassociated with gingivitis or periodontitis. Gingivitis is aninflammation of the gingiva, commonly known as gums, that is commonlyassociated with poor oral hygiene and/or the hormonal state of thepatient. If left untreated, gingivitis may develop into periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a bacterial disease in which the infection hasprogressed to involve the oral tissues that retain the teeth in thejawbone. With this disease the gums become red and inflamed. Thiscondition, if untreated, results in damage to the ligaments and boneholding the teeth in place, and formation of pockets around the teeth.As the pockets become deeper, teeth loosen, to a point where they mayfall out. The severity of periodontitis is determined by dentists, andother dental practitioners, by measuring the depth of these pockets andreviewing x-rays of the teeth and jawbone.

Periodontal disease involves a different treatment protocol than otheroral diseases. While many oral diseases can be treated with properhygiene, fluoride, pastes, washes and rinses, periodontal disease isoften more refractile to treatment. This is because of differencesbetween the oral and periodontal cavities. The bulk of the oral cavityis essentially an aerobic environment, constantly perfused by saliva. Incontrast, the periodontal cavity is more anaerobic, and is perfused byplasma filtrate, known as “crevicular fluid”. The growth ofmicroorganisms within the periodontal cavity microenvironment may causeperiodontal disease. As the disease progresses, the periodontalmicroenvironment becomes more anaerobic, and the flow of crevicularfluid increases.

Efforts to treat periodontal disease have met with limited degrees ofsuccess. This is because the site of the bacterial infections in theperiodontal cavity are largely inaccessible to agents present in theoral cavity as well as agents provided to the oral cavity, such asmouthwashes, rinses and the like. Moreover, the increased outflow ofcrevicular fluid that accompanies periodontal disease inhibitstherapeutic agents placed into the oral cavity from entering thepockets.

Oral systemic administration of antibiotics has been shown to be auseful method of controlling subgingival flora. However, because of sideeffects, such as those of the digestive system and concerns overbacterial resistance, oral systemic administration has had only limiteduse in treating periodontal disease. Oral systemic therapy also requiresfrequent dosing, so patient compliance is frequently a problem.

Efforts have focused on delivering therapeutic agents directly to thesepockets, in some cases, in a controlled release formulation. In general,administration of agents directly to the pocket permits higher localdrug concentrations that can be achieved by systemic administrationwhile simultaneously avoiding the GI and other potential side effects ofthe higher oral systemic dosages needed.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,175,326 to Goodson discloses the use of a drug-filledpolymer hollow fiber. The disclosed delivery system is tied around atooth and gently pressed below the margin of the gingiva so that itresides in the periodontal pocket, and can deliver tetracycline for aprolonged period, such as a week or more. U.S. Pat. No. 5,236,355(Brizzolara et al) describes a tip for delivery of medicament to aperiodontal pocket. U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,348 describes an apparatuscomprising a tip capable of delivering material to a periodontal pocket.The tip described in this patent is not positionable to a specifiedretained angle nor extendable, thereby hindering positioning of the tip(frequently requiring twisting of the device, adding complexity andmaking it harder to handle by the user) so that the device is less thanoptimal and is less efficient for the delivery of material to thedesired site of action. U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,002 (Martin et al) and U.S.Pat. No. 4,575,375 (Kozam) describe dispensing cartridges for a liquidor semi-liquid compositions. U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,825 (Discko, Jr)describes a dental syringe and dispensing device. U.S. Pat. No.5,112,307 (Haber et al) discloses a dental syringe having a medicationfilled capsule. U.S. Pat. No. 5,004,124 (Stefaniak et al) discloses adevice for dispensing a fluid substance. U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,864(Winkler) discloses an actuating device for dispensing a paste likematerial. U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,728 (Riebl et al) discloses a dentalapplicator. Each of the foregoing patents and patent applications (aswell as any others mentioned in the present application) areincorporated herein in their entirety by reference except to the extentthat the discussion in the present application explicitly states matterin contradiction to such reference or requires, implicitly, due to thecontext of the discussion in the present application, a differentunderstanding. Furthermore, in the case of such conflicting language orconstruction, the explicit statements in the present application and theconstructions impliedly required by the discussion in the presentapplication shall govern over any contrary interpretation orconstruction in the otherwise incorporated reference.

There is thus a need for an apparatus that provides the flexibility to auser or a clinician to position the tip to efficiently delivermedicament and/or other materials to cavities within a human body. Thereis further a need for an apparatus that provides the flexibility of theuser to position the tip of to efficiently and appropriately deliversubstances to cavities, cracks, and crevices that are outside of therealm of medical applications.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The cartridge and methods disclosed herein improve on the contemporaryart by providing a dispensing cartridge that can effectively delivertherapeutic agents directly to a body cavity, especially periodontalpockets. The cartridge disclosed herein can be fitted to any syringe.The cartridge provides the flexibility to position the tip at a desiredangle either by the user or during the manufacturing process. This isenabled by the corrugated portion incorporated within the cartridge. Thecorrugated portion is flexible and/or extendible. The extendible optionprovides the flexibility of positioning a syringe at an optimal distancefrom the cavity or to extend the reach of the device into difficult toreach areas. In one preferred embodiment, the corrugated portion allowsfor flexibility (bendability) without the extendibility. In a secondembodiment, the corrugated portion allows for extendibility withoutsignificant bendability by the user (although allowing bendability inthe manufacturing process). In still another preferred embodiment, thecorrugated portion allows for both bendability and extendibility in themanufacturing process and/or by the user.

The cartridge further provides for effective delivery of compositions.In some embodiments, the tip (through which the substance contained inthe cartridge exits the cartridge to be deposited in the cavity) isdeformable, typically from a circular to an oval or flat shape, uponcontact with tissue, including tissue within the body cavity, or (in theperiodontal application, teeth or other tissues in dental cavities,whereby this flattened tip may allow for better penetration deeply intopockets for quick and direct application of therapeutic agents into thepocket or respective cavity. This is in addition to the “bending” to aparticular angle or “extension” or both which may be provided for by thecorrugated portion described more fully hereinafter. However, especiallyin the use in many areas where the tissues or other surfaces againstwhich the tip would need to be pressed to accomplish this deformation ofthe tip are very delicate and sensitive structures, such pressure anddeformation of the tip are not desirable and dispensed with. Althoughpatents such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,348 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,699,609indicate that a deformable tip is advantageous in the delivery and suchfeature is an intimate aspect as to those claims, that document does nottake into account the sensitivity of the tissues and the desire not todisrupt the already inflamed tissues. Thus, in a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, tip deformability and the act of deforming thetip are undesirable and not in use, even though in other embodiments,such tip deformability may be present and in use. In other non-medicalembodiments, the deformable tip portion (when the deformable feature ispresent) can be deformed appropriately by contact with and pressureapplied against any surface or edge of the cavity into which the tip isplaced. However, the deformable tip feature is purely optional in thesecontexts as well. In either case, as the cavity opening gets larger, thepotential benefit of the “tip deformability” decreases in importance,and ultimately results in not being of any practical value in largersize cavity openings.

The cartridge is configured for receiving a part of an external forceapplying member, for example (without limitation), a handle with, forexample (without limitation), a spring loaded shaft, in a temporarilylocking arrangement therewith. When use is desired, the engaging portionof the cartridge snaps or locks into the handle and the spring loadedshaft is moved into contact with a plunger (or other force translatingarrangement or means) (located within the cartridge), pushing theplunger, so as to push the material (contained in the interior of thecartridge) out of the tip into the cavity in question (i.e., theperiodontal pocket in the periodontal application) into which the tiphad been inserted.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for treatingperiodontal disease. This method involves providing an apparatuscomprising a force applying member adapted for receiving a body portionof the cartridge. The cartridge has a body portion and a tube portion,the tube portion extending from the body portion, and the tube portionends in a tip (distal from the body portion), that is configured (insome embodiments) for being deformed to at least one geometry differentfrom its initial geometry. There is also a plunger (or other forcetranslating component), at least a portion of the plunger being slidablyhoused within the tube portion, the plunger configured for contacting aportion of the force applying member. In a preferred embodiment, thereis also a quantity of dry particles, at least a portion of the dryparticles being within the tip (in other embodiments, the device maycontain liquid or semi-liquid or semi-solid formulations of variousviscosities). The force applying member and cartridge are then placedinto operative communication each other, for example, by a temporarylocking engagement. The tip is moved into at least one periodontalpocket and (if desired) is then optionally deformed, for example, to asubstantially flattened geometry. Alternatively (especially if a wall oftissue extends from the cavity opening beyond the cavity), the optionaldeformation of the tip may be accomplished first and then the tip movedinto the cavity opening. In either case, tip deformation is onlyoptional and need not be carried out, and in cases where tip deformationis not specifically desired, the tip need not be deformable. Theexternal force applying member can have a portion of it (for example,without limitation, a spring-loaded shaft), moved to contact the plunger(or actuate one of the alternate force translating means), moving theplunger (or alternate force translating means) so as to deliver thecomposition to the at least one periodontal pocket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Attention is now directed to the accompanying drawing figures, wherelike reference numerals or characters indicate corresponding or likecomponents. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is one view of a plunger.

FIG. 3 is a magnified view of a corrugated portion of an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts another magnified view of the corrugated portion of FIG.3.

FIG. 5 depicts a magnified view of an embodiment of the finger portionof the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts an outer view of an embodiment of a cartridge of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a magnified view of the body portion of a cartridge ofthe present invention.

FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 7 in that it is a magnified view of a secondembodiment of the present invention in which connectors 75 are notpresent in the device of the invention.

FIG. 9 is also similar to FIG. 7 in that it is a magnified view of athird embodiment of the present invention in which connectors 75, ringmember 74, and vertical rods 69 are not present in the device of theinvention.

FIG. 10 (shown as a cutaway view) is similar to FIG. 9 in that it is amagnified view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention in whichmultiple members 68 are also not present and the hollow tubular portion50A is extended as compared to the device shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows one embodiment of the present invention cartridgeassembled with one version of an external force applying member (in thiscase in particular, a syringe, the syringe being shown only partially).

FIG. 12 shows an alternate embodiment of the cartridge of FIG. 1 inwhich the corrugation shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 does not extend to theinside wall of the device.

FIG. 13 shows an enlarged view of the corrugated portion of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 shows an alternate version of the corrugated region wherein,although the corrugation extends to the inner wall of the hollowcartridge in the corrugated region, the device has an internal sleeveseparating the corrugation internal surface from the plunger surface.

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary view of a plunger bent in a first angle.

FIG. 16 shows a second exemplary view of a plunger bent in a secondangle

FIG. 17 shows a cartridge of the invention with an alternate cap.

FIG. 18 shows and enlarged view of the cap shown in FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a cartridge A, as formed of a body portion 50, anaccessible compartment 52, a neck portion 54 connected to a flexiblecorrugated portion 56. The flexible corrugated portion 56 can be bent orextended as desired. In some embodiments the “bending” into a particularangle or more complicated shape (such an “S” or other bent form) isaccomplished during the manufacture. In other embodiments, the desiredangle or shape into which the cartridge corrugated portion is bent isaccomplished by the user prior to or during use of the cartridge todispense its contents. The corrugated portion is succeeded by a fingerportion 58. The finger portion extends from the corrugated portion 56and ends in the tip portion 62. The finger portion comprises optionallength measure markings 60, which enables the user to determine thelength of the finger portion that is inserted in the body cavity/gumpocket/periodontal pocket or any other cavity or opening in question.The length markings (which are optional, but preferred) are on theoutside surface of the finger portion 58 extending inwards from the tipportion 62 along the exterior surface of finger portion 58, towards thecorrugated portion 56. The tip portion 62 comprises an internal elevatedtapering portion 61 along at least some portion of the tip, although theinternal elevated tapering portion 61 can run internally along theentire tip portion. The finger portion is further shown in FIG. 1 tocomprise an optional dispensable material 200 within the internal wallsof the finger portion 58, and generally located in the region betweenthe tip portion 62 and the front end 106 of plunger 100. The cartridgeis shown to include an external ridge 64 which is capable of engagingwith a cap 300. The cap 300 goes over the tip portion 62 to protect theexposure of the optional dispensable material 200 from being exposed tothe external atmosphere. The tip portion 62 in conjunction with thefront end 106 of plunger 100 defines an area within the cartridge thatcan be standardized for use as a measuring volume which is to be filledwith the material to be dispensed from the cartridge. In such use ofthis area as a volume measure, the plunger 100 front end 106frictionally engages with the interior wall of the finger portion in amanner to seal that region from the remainder of the cartridge and hassufficient friction to resist displacement by the substance 200 fillingpressure applied when filling the cartridge therewith through the opentip, but remains slidably engaging such internal wall so as to becapable of moving under applied pressure from the external forceapplying member (described further below).

FIG. 1 further shows the body portion 50 comprising a generally hollowtubular portion 50A having a radial direction and an axial direction,multiple members 68 extending from the generally hollow tubular portion50A axially distally away from the accessible compartment 52 ofcartridge A. The multiple members 68 are shown (in a first embodiment inFIG. 1) connected to a circular ring 74 located more distally from thehollow tubular portion 50A than the most distal portion of the multiplemembers 68 is relative to the accessible compartment 52 by means ofconnectors 75. (For ease of description and convenience (and notlimitation), such an arrangement of the position of the circular ring 74relative to the multiple members 68 may be referred to herein as being“below” the multiple members 68 as when the device is viewed standingvertically with the tip portion 62 at the top) The circular ring 74 isheld in place substantially rigidly (preferably rigidly) by verticalrods 69, extending from the generally hollow tubular portion 50A andrunning parallel to members 68. The multiple members 68 comprise anelevated portion 73 capable of engaging with the external force applyingmember via a temporary locking mechanism. Also shown is an optional (butpreferably present) ring portion 70 with a protrusion 72 which iscapable of engaging with a corresponding dip in the external forceapplying member as the body portion engages with an external forceapplying member. In a second embodiment, FIG. 8, connectors 75 are notpresent so that the ends of the multiple members 68 are free and notfixed in place. In a third embodiment, FIG. 9, ring member 74,connectors 75, and vertical rods 69 are all not present. In yet a fourthembodiment (FIG. 10), body portion 50 is completely replaced by a hollowcylindrical member optionally having elevated portions 73 on theexterior thereof as either one or more discrete elevated portions or asingle circular or substantially elevated band, the substantially singlecircular band being continuous or having one or more cuts there through.It should be noted that the use of the circular ring 74 provides a rigidmember for easier use in handling the cartridge and assembling thecartridge to the force applying member and/or handle.

FIG. 1 includes a plunger 100 disposed within the cartridge andextending from the accessible compartment 52 to the finger portion 58.The front end 106 of the plunger 100 is in the proximity of the optionaldispensable material 200 and the back end 102 of plunger 100 is disposedwithin the accessible compartment 52 and are connected by plunger body104. The plunger 100 is made of flexible material which makes theplunger bendable. The plunger material while bendable cannot becompressed, enabling it to push out the optional dispensable material200 through the tip 62, as the plunger 100 is pushed forward. The backend or the plunger head 102 of the plunger 100 is capable of engagingwith a shaft portion contained within an external force applying member.Alternatives for the plunger 100 include, without limitation, means fortranslating an externally applied force to the material to be dispensedfrom the cartridge to force the material from the cartridge into thecavity or pocket into which one intends to dispense it. Such meansincludes rods, piston, gaseous material, hydraulic fluids, etc., whichmeans are generally known in the art. In the case of gaseous materialsand hydraulic fluids, appropriate plugs and/or containers as may beneeded to allow the gas or fluid to act appropriately and yet not beintroduced into areas where introduction of such gas or fluid would bedetrimental to the intended purpose, are also known in the art.

FIG. 2 shows the plunger 100 comprising plunger head 102, plunger body104, and a front end 106. FIGS. 15 and 16 show alternative plungers intwo different bent positions. Other angles and complex bendings such as(without limitation) “sigmoidal” shapes are also possible and within thescope of the present invention. The length of the plunger essentiallymatches the length of the combined length of the accessible compartment52, the neck portion 54, the extended length of the corrugated portion56 (required only if extension of the corrugated portion is intendedduring use), and the finger portion 58. As the plunger is pushed forwardby the shaft contained within an external force applying member, theelevated internal tapering portion 61 contained within the tip portion62 is capable of engaging with the front end 106 of the plunger 100thereby retarding further forward movement of the plunger and stoppingthe front end of the plunger from exiting the tip portion 62 of thecartridge. In some embodiments, such as where the plunger 100 isreplaced by an alternative external force translating means (ashereinbefore discussed), especially in the embodiments using a gaseoussubstance or liquid to propel the material 200, a plug (not shown)located between the material 200 to be dispensed and the neck portion 54is generally used and is of such a size that it effectively separatesthe gaseous or liquid substance from the area in which the material 200is located and such plug can slidably move within the finger portion 58yet (due to internal elevated tapering portion 61) cannot exit the tipportion 62. The forward motion of the plug forces the material 200 outof the tip and into the area intended for material 200 to be deposited.Other alternatives for the plunger 100 work in similar or relatedmanners to either the plunger or the above described gaseous alternativeas will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Plunger 100can be manufactured in a bent shape or straight as may be convenient forthe intended end use. The plunger may be used as a portion of a mold forcreating the cartridge interior space so as to have the appropriateconstruction (straight or bent) of the cartridge corrugation withoutneeding to separately bend the corrugated portion. Such manufacturingand molding techniques will be within the knowledge of those of ordinaryskill in the art once having read this specification.

FIG. 3 depicts a magnified view of one embodiment of the corrugatedportion 56 contained within the cartridge A. The magnified view depictsthe corrugated portion extended in a straight line (180°) in relation tothe finger portion 58 succeeding/following the corrugated portion 56 andthe neck portion 54 preceding the corrugated portion 56. The straightextension of the corrugated portion as depicted in this figure enablesthe user to keep the finger portion in a straight line (180° angle) inrelation to the neck portion 54. Also shown in this figure is theelevated portion 80 as part of the corrugated portion 56 as thecorrugated portion is extended.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary (but not limiting) bent view of thecorrugated portion 56, as part of the cartridge A. Also shown is aportion of the finger portion 58 succeeding/following the corrugatedportion 56 and a portion of the neck portion 54 preceding the corrugatedportion 56. The bent view shows the extension of the corrugated portionas depicted in this figure which in turn enables the user to positionthe finger portion at an angle other than at a 180° angle in relation tothe neck portion 54. It is understood that this figure depicts only oneof the many possible positions that the corrugated portion can beconfigured into (whether pre-manufactured as such or manipulated by auser). The corrugated portion 56 can be used to position the fingerportion 58 and neck portion 54 at virtually any angle relative to oneanother, such as, without limitation, about 5°, about 10°, about 15°,about 30°, about 45°, about 60°, about 750, about 90°, about 105°, about120°, about 135°, about 150°, about 165°, and about 180° (or any otherangle between any two of these) (including complex multiple angles(i.e., contra-angles, for example without limitation, “S” or sigmoidaltype arrangements) as long as the plunger 100 has sufficient flexibilityto navigate the bend under the externally applied force and actuallytransmit the force to the material 200. In cases where the plungercannot effectively transmit the requisite force, one of the alternativesfor the plunger that are not similarly impaired by the degree of benddesired, such as, without limitation, those plunger 100 alternativesemploying the gaseous or hydraulic means, can be used. In addition, thecorrugated portion allows for both a bend and an extension to beapplied.

FIG. 5 depicts a magnified view of the distal portion of the fingerportion 58. This figure shows the tip portion 62 comprising an inwardtapering portion 61 (which is optional) preceded by the optionaldispensable material 200. (In some embodiments, optional dispensingmaterial 200 fills the entire region between the open end of tip portion62 and the front end 106 of plunger 100; in other embodiments, only aportion of this space is to be filled or is filled with material 200.)As the plunger 100 front end 106 (or plug in those alternatives whichutilize a plug) moves forward towards the tip portion 62, it pushes theoptional dispensable material out through the opening in the tip portion62. The inward tapering portion 61 works as a stop thereby preventingthe front end 106 of the plunger 100 from exiting the tip portion 61.

FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of cartridge A, as formed of a body portion50, an accessible compartment 52, a neck portion 54 connected to aflexible corrugated portion 56. The flexible corrugated portion 56 canbe straight, bent, and/or extended as desired (as previously described).The corrugated portion is succeeded by a finger portion 58. The fingerportion extends from the corrugated portion and ends in the tip portion62. The finger portion optionally comprises length measure markings 60(not shown in FIG. 6, but shown in FIG. 1) which enables the user todetermine the length of the finger portion that is inserted in the bodycavity/gum pocket/periodontal pocket, and the like. The length markingsare on the outside surface of the finger portion 58 extending inwardsfrom the tip portion 62 along the finger portion 58, towards thecorrugated portion 56. The cartridge is shown to include an externalridge 64 which is capable of engaging with a cap 300 (not shown in FIG.6, but shown in FIGS. 1, 14, 17, and 18).

FIG. 6 further shows the body portion 50 comprising a hollow tubularportion 50A having a radial direction and an axial direction, andmultiple members 68 extending from the hollow tubular portion 50A alongthe axial direction thereof distally away from the accessiblecompartment 52. The multiple members 68 are shown connected to acircular ring 74 located below the multiple members 68 (i.e. even moredistally away from the hollow tubular portion 50A than any portion ofthe multiple members 68) by means of connectors 75. The circular ring 74(preferably a substantially rigid circular ring, more preferably a rigidring) is held in place substantially rigidly (preferably rigidly) byvertical rods 69, extending from the hollow tubular portion 50A andrunning parallel to members 68. The members 68 comprise an elevatedportion 73 capable of engaging with the external force applying membervia a temporary locking mechanism. Also shown is a ring portion 70 witha (optional) protrusion 72 which is capable of engaging with acorresponding dip in the external force applying member as the bodyportion engages with the external force applying member.

FIG. 7 shows a magnified view of the body portion 50 comprising a hollowtubular portion 50A, multiple members 68 extending from the hollowtubular portion 50A in the axially direction distally away fromaccessible compartment 52. The multiple members 68 are shown connectedto a circular ring 74 located below the multiple members 68 (i.e. evenmore distally away from the hollow tubular portion 50A than any portionof the multiple members 68) by means of connectors 75. The circular ring74 is held substantially rigidly (preferably rigidly) in place byvertical rods 69, extending axially from the hollow tubular portion 50Aand running parallel to members 68. The members 68 comprise an elevatedportion 73 capable of engaging with the external force applying membervia a temporary locking mechanism. Also shown is an optional (butpreferably present) ring portion 70 which ring portion 70 optionally(but preferably) has a protrusion 72 (not shown in FIG. 7) which iscapable of engaging with a corresponding dip in the external forceapplying member as the body portion engages with an external forceapplying member.

FIG. 8 is a second embodiment of the cartridge of the present invention.In FIG. 8 the second version of the body portion 50 is shown in greaterdetail analogous to that shown in FIG. 7, wherein there are noconnectors 75 connecting the multiple members 68 to circular ring 74. Inthis embodiment, the multiple members 68 have a greater degree offreedom than the multiple members 68 have in the embodiment shown inFIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a third embodiment of the cartridge of the present invention.In FIG. 9, the third embodiment of the body portion 50 is shown ingreater detail analogous to that shown in FIG. 7, wherein there are noconnectors 75, no circular ring 74, and no vertical members 69.

FIG. 10 is a fourth embodiment of the cartridge of the presentinvention. In FIG. 10 the fourth embodiment of the body portion 50 isshown analogous to that shown in FIG. 9, wherein in addition, there areno multiple members 68 and the hollow tubular portion 50A is extendeddistally away from the tip portion. FIG. 10 is shown partially cut awayin the regions of body portion 50 and generally hollow tubular portion50A to more clearly show the hollow aspect.

FIG. 11 shows one embodiment of the invention cartridge assembled to oneembodiment of the external force applying member, in this figure inparticular, a syringe, with the syringe only partially shown

FIGS. 12 and 13 show an alternate embodiment of the corrugated portion56. FIG. 13 is a magnified view of the circled portion of FIG. 12. Inthis embodiment, the corrugations do not extend to the inside wall ofthe finger portion 58. This allows for better manufacturing as the toolsfor creating a smooth internal surface in this region are considerablyeasier to make than the tools needed for creating the corrugationinternal surface. In addition, this provides for greater ease ofmovement of the plunger 100 or alternative therefor in translating theexternally applied force to expel the material 200 from the tip portion62.

FIG. 14 shows a third alternate embodiment in which the corrugatedportion 56 contains within it a sleeve 56B which allows for additionalvariability in the cartridge A manufacture and use. The sleeve 56Bprovides the smooth internal wall for contacting the plunger while atthe same time allows for easier manufacture of the finger portion 58with the corrugations as compared to the other embodiments where thecorrugations of corrugated portion 56 are in contact with the plunger100. FIG. 14 also shows an alternative cap 300 as compared to that shownin FIG. 1.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show two exemplary (non-limiting) bends in plungers 100that are manufactured with the bends in place.

FIGS. 17 and 18 more fully show the cap 300 that is partially shown inFIG. 14.

In each of the foregoing embodiments, where desired, the corrugatedportion 56 may have an outer sleeve (not shown in FIGS. 1-18) where itis deemed that the corrugations of corrugated portion 56 outer surfacemay be irritating or otherwise detrimental to the act of administeringthe substance 200.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description will be discussed initially withrespect to applications in which material is being dispensed tocavities/crevices, folds, etc. in connection with a mammalian(preferably human) body. However, the description is equally applicableto other animal (non-mammalian) bodies. Furthermore, the invention isalso equally applicable to dispensing materials into cavities, crevices,openings that are not connected with animal bodies and include, withoutlimitation, introduction of material into cracks, crevices, and spacesthat have limited openings for introduction of materials thereto. Theparticular uses are limited only by the materials which are to bedispensed by the present invention cartridges.

As seen from the foregoing, the instantly claimed cartridge provides itsuser a greater range of flexibility in the application of a medicamentto a body cavity (in particular the periodontal or gingival pocket).Other body cavities to which the present invention cartridge can be usedfor delivery of medicament to include, without limitation, the auralcavity, the nasal cavity, the sinus cavities, the rectum, the bladder,the vaginal cavity, the uterus, the navel, surgical openings (to reachinternal body parts not otherwise accessible to local administration ofmedicaments as for example without limitation, internal organs such asthe gall bladder, the appendix, the kidney, the heart, the brain, thespinal column, and many others known in the art), surgically createdcavities, cavities resulting from disease processes, wounds, etc.Additionally, the present invention cartridge is also suitably used forthe deposition of material (preferably medicaments) in various cracksand crevices such as, without limitation, the margins around fingernailsand toenails, etc., notwithstanding that such “cracks and crevices arenot strictly speaking “cavities”, but for the purposes of the presentinvention are preferably to be so considered. The medicament can beplaced more precisely and with greater comfort than prior devices due tothe ability to the flexible corrugated portion (as in element 56 of thevarious Figures) in that the length of the finger portion can beextended and/or arranged in a special bent position as desired by theuser.

The instantly claimed cartridge (with proper scaling in size for largeror smaller body cavities and dosage amounts to be administered (whichwill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art) can be used todeliver a substance to, for example, any body cavity such as a nasalcavity, periodontal cavity, area around finger and toe nails, ear canal,or the like. Without departing from the scope of the invention, theinstantly claimed cartridge can be used for administering substances tohuman and non-human animals. Further, without departing from theinvention, instead of medicament, the instant invention can be used toapply irrigation fluids in otherwise difficult to reach body cavities.In addition, the instant invention cartridge can further be used totallyoutside the scope of delivery of a medicament to a living being and maybe used to deliver material to areas other than a body cavity, such asin construction related uses and the like. Other such non-limiting usesinclude application of herbicides, fungicides, and/or pesticides toareas where it is difficult to apply material without also applying suchmaterial to unintended areas; application of sealants and glues intocavities or crevices or recessed openings; and other analogous useswhich will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art afterbecoming familiar with the present disclosure.

The tip portion (exemplified by element 62 of the Figures) which iscontained within the finger portion (exemplified by element 58 of theFigures) may comprises malleable material, thereby making the tipportion deformable. Thus for example, the tip portion in suchembodiments can be capable of changes in its geometry especially whenplaced in contact with a surface of the cavity being treated or asurface which leads to the opening of the cavity being treated.(However, such “deformability is merely optional and in practice,pressing the device against the tissues being treated is generally notdesirable as those structures are already compromised and sensitive.) Inthe context of a periodontal pocket, that surface is either a wall ofthe periodontal pocket or a portion of the tooth or gum outside of thepocket against which the tip portion is pressed allowing for deformationof the opening at the end of the tip portion for potentially betterinsertion of the tip portion into the cavity being treated. It should benoted that the general tip portion and the opening of the tip portion donot need to be the same type or degree of deformation, and the presentinvention includes embodiments in which only the tip opening is deformedwithout deformation of the general tip portion, only the general tipportion is deformed without deforming the tip opening, and deformationsof both the tip opening and deformation of the general tip portion.Similarly, the deformation of the tip opening or the remainder of thetip portion is independent of the bend applied or not applied to thecorrugated portion 56. Again, although potentially useful in someembodiments to have a deformable tip, such is generally not desired andthe preferred embodiment is not to have the tip be deformed in themanner described in this paragraph.

In uses that do not require the use of a plunger, the material containedwithin the finger portion can be moved forward by other pressuredelivery means such as air (or other gas) pressure, or hydraulicpressure (in each case with suitable separation means for keeping thepressure delivery means (other than the separation means) from directlycontacting the material for delivery if such pressure delivery meansshould not contact the material for delivery. The separation means maybe in the form of an inflatable or expandable bladder or a slidablenon-inflatable plug of sufficient durability that it will not breakunder the pressure load provided.

The instantly claimed cartridge comprises a body portion which can bemodified to engage with a container containing solid, liquid,semi-solid, semi-liquid, moist paste, fluids and the like. In someembodiments, no further impediment is needed to keep the material fromexiting the tip portion between the time of cap removal and tipplacement into the cavity opening. In other embodiments in order to keepthe material for delivery from exiting the device between the capremoval from the tip and the insertion of the tip into the periodontalpocket (or other delivery point in other applications), a thin membranemay be applied to cover the tip which may be punctured in the course ofcap removal and then when the forwardly moving externally appliedpressure is actually applied, the membrane rips open more fully to allowdispensing of the material. In an alternative embodiment, the coveringmembrane is sufficiently thin that on the deformation of the tip portion(when that feature is used), the membrane splits even without beingbroken in the act of cap removal or the application of the forwardlyapplied pressure so that upon application of the forward appliedpressure, the membrane either splits further or the opening thus made bythe deformation of the tip opens sufficiently for delivery of thematerial contained within the cartridge. In still other embodiments,such as those having a membrane covering the tip portion, the membranebreaks open on application of just the forwardly moving externallyapplied pressure. In some embodiments, more than one of these actionscan be at play in the same device. However, in a preferred and simplerembodiment, there is no membrane preventing the flow of material fromthe cartridge once the cap is removed. In such cases, the cartridge isengaged with the forward pressure applying means and locked into placethereon. The corrugated portion is arranged as desired, and the engagedcartridge is held in a position that gravitational forces do not causethe material to prematurely exit the tip on removal of the cap. In someembodiments, the material 200 is a formulation of the active agent beingapplied which is sufficiently cohesive that it does not exit the tip 62unless the externally applied force is actually applied to the material200. The cap is then removed while maintaining the cartridge orientationso as to prevent the gravitational forces from causing the exit ofmaterial prematurely (if needed). (In cases where the material to bedispensed is either of sufficient viscosity or particles aresufficiently tacky that gravitational forces will not cause the materialto exit the tip without the application of the externally applied force,no precaution about holding the device in any particular orientationafter the cap is removed is needed.) The tip is then moved to theperiodontal pocket opening (or other opening of other cavity in whichthe material is to be deposited) and any tip deformation pressure (whichmay or may not be desired) is applied. The cartridge can then bemaintained in this orientation while delivery is effected by theapplication of the forward moving pressure or the cartridge can be movedto an orientation such that gravitational flow of the material willcooperate with the forwardly applied pressure to deliver the materialfrom the cartridge into the periodontal pocket or other cavity to whichthe material is to be delivered. In yet other alternatives, the materialfor delivery from the cartridge may be contained within a thin containerhaving a selectively breakable wall under the action of one or more ofthe above described methods of breaking and further opening thedescribed membrane. The selectively breakable wall of the container isoriented toward the tip opening so that upon breakage of the selectivelybreakable wall, the application of the forwardly moving pressure allowsfor delivery of the contained material. In this variation, it ispreferable that the selectively breakable wall be broken only by eitheror both of the deformation of the tip (if tip 62 deformation is desired)and/or the application of the forwardly applied external pressureapplication means, so as to have a greater assurance that the materialcontained in the cartridge is actually delivered to the intended siteregardless of the orientation in which the cartridge is held once thecap is removed. Selectively breakable container walls for the materialto be contained within the cartridge can be made by having the desiredwall be of substantially thinner construction than other walls orconstructed of a substance that is inherently weaker than the otherwalls. Alternatively the selectively breakable container wall can be onethat is perforated by or perforations of substantially smaller than thesize which will allow flow of the materials contained therein withoutactual breakage of the wall. Other alternative container wall weakeningmethods will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art havingaccess to the present disclosure.

The instantly claimed cartridge can be modified (without departing formthe claimed invention) so as to fit in a working relationship with anypressure applying mechanism known in the art in order to deliver aforward moving pressure gradient which can be used to drive delivery ofthe material from the cartridge to the delivery site. One suchnon-limiting example of an external force applying member is thatdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,348.

The cartridge (without the material for delivery to be contained thereinand without consideration of the internal plunger 100) which isattachable to an external pressure delivery source (hereinafter the“cartridge housing”) is, in one preferred embodiment, generally made ofa unitary construction from a moldable plastic material as may be knownin the art and is generally rigid with certain degrees of flexibilityimparted to specified regions such as the specified “corrugated region”(due to the “corrugated nature” of such region) and/or deformable tipregion (due to it thinner cross-sectional dimension at the tip than atother regions and optional rigidity in other regions (such as in theportions which form the portions of the cartridge used to attach itselfto and lock onto the external pressure applying means, primarily due totheir greater thickness (relative to the tip portion)). When desired,the cartridge housing may be made in whole or in part of metal, providedthe corrugated portion is present and the that region can be bent orextended as discussed elsewhere herein. In preferred embodiments whichhave the above discussed rigid ring 70 and the vertical rods 69 present,the multiple members 68 are firmly held in place relative to oneanother. In other embodiments, where the connectors 75, multiple rods69, and/or the ring 70 are not part of the cartridge and not used in it,the multiple members 68 have greater degrees of freedom and may or maynot be somewhat flexible (depending on the material from which they areconstructed and thickness). In an alternate embodiment, the cartridgehousing need not be of unitary construction, but can be made of separateportions that are assembled together. While the unitary constructionoffers the advantage of simplified construction, the non-unitaryconstruction allows for use of different materials for the portions thatneed to be deformable and/or flexible from the materials used forportions that need to be more rigid. The greater rigidity of the ring 70allows for easier handling and % or manipulation of the cartridge by theuser.

In yet another embodiment (see FIG. 10), the multiple members 68, thering 70 and the vertical rods 69 can all be dispensed with, and in thiscase, hollow tubular portion 50A is extended as needed to havesufficient length to appropriately engage with and lock onto theexternal pressure applying means.

The internal plunger 100 is preferably made from flexible material,including silicon rubber, pvc, polystyrene, or other similar material,metal may also be used if desired as long as the plunder is sufficientlyflexible to navigate the range of bends that the corrugated portion canbe bent into provided the plunger is also non-collapsible.

Turning from the device of the invention to the types of medicamentsthat can be administered from the invention device, virtually anymedicament that can be administered in a form that suitably releases theactive medicinal agent in the environment of use can be used in thepresent invention. As in most cases of applying the medicament to a bodycavity such as in the pockets, crevices, and cracks in the oral cavity,there is more than sufficient moisture so that solid micro particles canreadily dissolve. Similarly in many other body cavities, such as in thesinus cavity, vaginal cavity, uterus, bladder, and other internal organsmentioned above (inclusive of those cavities accessed via surgery (suchas without limitation, the spinal column, the brain, the gall bladder,etc.)), there is also sufficient moisture present for the appropriatedissolution of the formulation and release of the medicament to thedesired site of action. In other cavities, such as in the navel, themargins of the fingernail, the margins of the toenails, the ear canal,etc., there may not be sufficient moisture present for the suitable useof a dry micro particle and either a semisolid or semifluid dosage formis needed. These distinctions will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art and appropriate alterations in the formulations usedwill be readily understood by those of ordinary skill.

Turning to the medicinal uses for the present invention, these arelimited only by the scope of medicinal agents that can be employed inthe present invention and the location to which the agent needs to bedeposited. One particularly useful area for utilization of the presentinvention is in the treatment of periodontal disease with antibioticsand other medicinal agents by direct application of these agents in theperiodontal pockets. Another highly useful area is the treatment ofsinus conditions by application of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, andother desirable agents directly in the sinus cavity. Yet another highlyuseful application of the present invention is in the treatment ofcancers (either operable or inoperable (, such as in the brain or spineor around critical arteries) or substantial organ involvement preventscomplete surgical removal. In such instances, application of anticanceragents directly into an inoperable mass allows for direct treatment withmaterials that may not be able to be delivered in any other manner atdosages which will be able to be effective. Pockets or cavities maynaturally exist within such masses or may be made surgically into whichthe appropriate medication may be deposited by the use of the instantinvention device. Many others will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art.

Thus, also within the invention is a method of maintaining health of thetissue to which the material is applied or treating a condition of atissue to which the material is applied by administering the material toa patient via the use of the instant invention cartridge. The methodcomprises treating a tissue of the cavity in question by providing acartridge of the present invention having contained therein a suitablematerial for the treatment of said tissue of the cavity, placing saidcartridge tip into the cavity opening and dispensing the material intothe cavity in question. In one preferable (but non-limiting) embodiment,the cavity in question is a gingival (or periodontal) pocket, typicallyassociated with periodontal disease. Generally, the party administeringthe material activates an external force applying member which appliesforce to the plunger or alternative force translating means aspreviously discussed, which forces the material out of the tip and intothe cavity or pocket in question. In some embodiments, the tip isdeformed from its original cross-sectional geometry to a secondcross-sectional geometry (generally more flattened or more oval than itsoriginal geometry) in the course of administering the material. Whensuch tip deformation is accomplished by (without limitation) it isgenerally done by applying the tip against a tissue or wall of thecavity in question. Other manners of tip deformation may be used ifdesired and such other tip deformation operations would be known tothose of ordinary skill in the art. In the case of the periodontal orgingival cavity, a non-limiting means of tip deformation may beaccomplished by pressing the tip against a tooth surface or gum surfacein the vicinity of the periodontal pocket and then placing the tip intothe cavity opening or by placing the tip into the cavity opening andapply pressure so the tip is pressed against a surface internal to thecavity. However, as previously described, the deformation of the tip byapplying pressure against the tissues or wall of the cavity opening orinternal cavity surface is generally not desired due to the compromisedor diseased nature of those tissues or surfaces.

In an analogous fashion, the present invention is further directed tomethods of administering (as well as methods of treating conditions) ofthe various other tissues heretofore mentioned via administration of thematerial in question to a cavity, pocket, or crevice where such tissueis in need of having the material administered thereto locally, viadispensing the material from the cartridge of the present invention. Theinvention is also applicable in analogous fashion to animals in general,including human being, pets, farm animals, and wild animals. While theinvention is of particular value to administration of substances tomammals, it is not so limited and can be used to apply suitablesubstances to non-mammals as well.

The present invention also has numerous applications outside ofmedical/veterinary field. These include any area of endeavor wherematerial needs to be deposited in (a) spaces in cavities which aredifficult to reach, primarily because the opening size is generallysmall and the desired deposition site is not otherwise accessible fromthe outside of the cavity; and (b) deposition sites that even though nottrue internal cavity spaces, are spaces that are encumbered bysurrounding features which make access to the deposition site difficult.Such applications include, without limitation: (a) pesticide, herbicide,fungicide application in agrochemical areas; (b) pesticide applicationin pest control in the home and business settings (such as in cracks andcrevices in wall joints or wall/floor abutments or into small openingsinto interior wall hollows; (c) application of sealants (such as,without limitation, glues, epoxies, etc.) in construction and repair ofbuildings; (d) application of glues in craft applications generally; (d)application of grout into ceramic tiling spaces; (e) application ofsealants, cleaning agents, masks and photoresist layers in electronicmanufacture; etc. One particularly useful area is the introduction ofplaster where the surface that is accessible is small, but there is asubstantial opening or cavity behind the opening. If one does not wishto enlarge the opening, getting sufficient plaster into the opening tohave a substantial bond formed is often difficult, if not impossible.Using the cartridge of the present invention with a plaster paste(instead of the dry micro particles of the primary medicament embodimentdiscussed above), allows for one to introduce a significant amount ofplaster behind the opening and filling the opening so that the exposedsurface of the plaster in the opening has a much greater potential forbeing retained in the opening and keeping it sealed. The same can besaid respect to application of caulking. Many other applications will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing fromthe spirit of the invention.

Suitable active agents include all varieties provided their dosageamounts can be delivered to the site of action in a dosage form fromwhich the active agent can be suitable released, such as, withoutlimitation, antibacterials, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories,immunosuppressive agents, immuno-stimulatory agents, dentaldesensitizers, odor masking agents, immune reagents, anesthetics,antiseptics, nutritional agents, antioxidants, lipopolysaccharidecomplexing agents, a peroxide or peroxide precursor, a bone growthstimulant, a fluoridating agent, a hormone, a tissue growth factor, ananticancer agent, etc. and mixtures or combinations thereof. Each ofthese may be in the form of any or a mixture of salts, esters, hydrates,solvates, enantiomers, racemates, or polymorphs of the parent namedcompound. Those of ordinary skill would be well aware of specific agentswithin each of these classes as well as others. Particularly useful areantibiotics of all types, especially tetracyclines, more particularlydoxycycline and minocycline. Formulations of the active agent can besolid, semi-solid, gel, a thick liquid, and liquid formulations ofvarying viscosities. A particularly suitable (non-limiting) formulationare those set out in U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,348 (incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference). The '348 Patent incorporates U.S. Pat. Nos.5,000,886, 5,143,661, 5,236,355, 5,366,733, 5,500,228, and 5,622,498,with respect to the suitable formulations, and these are alsoincorporated by reference in their entirety herein with respect tosuitable (but non-limiting) formulations for use in the presentcartridge dispensers. These compositions can be dispersed in matrices ofbiocompatible and biodegradable polymers, in accordance with thedisclosures of the 7 patents mentioned in this paragraph. Suchformulations of these 7 patents have the active agent dispersed in abiocompatible and biodegradable polymer. As stated, the material fordispensing from the invention cartridge is not limited to theformulations above, but is more generally applicable to a broad range offormulations. Non-limiting polymers in the polymers in the '348 Patentinclude for example, polyglycolide, poly(l-lactide), poly(dl) lactide,poly (glycolide-co-lactide), poly (glycolide-co-di lactide), poly (alphahydroxybutyric acid, poly(orthoesters), poly (p-dioxanone) and mixturesthereof. The polymers can also be block copolymers of polyglycolide,trimethylene carbonate and polyethylene oxide.

Without limitation, a suitable formulation comprises dry microparticlescomprising the active agent in an amount of about 0.01 to about 75 partsby weight per 100 parts by weight of the dry microparticles, preferablyabout 10 to about 70 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the drymicroparticles. The dry microparticles typically have a diameter ofabout 0.1 to about 1000 microns, preferably about 20 to about 120microns.

The instant disclosure provides preferred embodiments of a cartridge,the description of the cartridge, components thereof and methods of usethereof, all of which are exemplary only. Those skilled in the art willrecognize, or be able to ascertain using routine experimentation, manyequivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention describedherein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the followingclaims.

1. A cartridge comprising a body portion and a tube portion wherein:said body portion having a first side which is capable of engaging withan external force applying member to form a locking engagement and anopposite side distal to said first side; and the tube portion extendingfrom the body portion wherein the tube portion comprises a forcetranslating means contained therein, a corrugated portion locatedbetween a distal tip and the body portion, said distal tip located onthe opposite side of the body portion, said force translating meanscapable of transmitting a force from said external force applying memberto a material intended to be dispensed from said cartridge.
 2. Thecartridge of claim 1, wherein the body portion includes at least oneelevated ridge along at least a section of the body portion wherein theelevated ridge slidably engages with a channel portion within anexternal force applying member to form a locking engagement.
 3. Thecartridge of claim 1, wherein the body portion includes at least onemember capable of a temporary locking engagement with at least a portionof an external force applying member.
 4. The cartridge of claim 1wherein said at least one member capable of a temporary lockingengagement is a flexible member.
 5. The cartridge of claim 1 whereinsaid at least one member capable of a temporary locking engagement is asubstantially rigid member.
 6. The cartridge of claim 3 wherein the bodyportion includes multiple members capable of a temporary lockingengagement with at least a portion of an external force applying member.7. The cartridge of claim 5 wherein each of said multiple memberscapable of a temporary locking engagement with at least a portion of anexternal force applying member are flexible members.
 8. The cartridge ofclaim 6 wherein said multiple members are connected to members on eitherside by a flexible membrane.
 9. A cartridge of claim 1 wherein the tubeportion comprises a quantity of dry particles, at least a portion of thedry particles being located within the distal tip.
 10. A cartridge ofclaim 6 wherein, the distal tip is constructed using malleable material.11. A cartridge of claim 10 wherein, the distal tip is configured forbeing deformed to at least one geometry different from its initialgeometry.
 12. A cartridge of claim 6 wherein, the distal tip is notsignificantly deformable to at least one geometry different from itsinitial geometry.
 13. A cartridge of claim 1 wherein, the external forceapplying member is a syringe with a movable shaft.
 14. A cartridge ofclaim 1 wherein, the distal tip comprises an internal elevated portion.15. A cartridge of claim 1 wherein the cartridge comprises a therapeuticagent contained within the distal tip.
 16. The cartridge of claim 1wherein the body portion further comprises at least one elevated ridgealong at least a section of the body portion wherein the elevated ridgeslidably engages with a channel portion within an external forceapplying member to form a locking engagement; the tube portion extendingfrom the body portion wherein the tube portion comprises a forcetranslating means contained therein, a corrugated portion locatedbetween a distal tip and the body portion, said distal tip located onthe opposite side of the body portion; and the proximal tip comprisingan internal elevated portion.
 17. The cartridge of claim 16 having atherapeutic agent contained at least in part within the distal tipportion.
 18. A cartridge for dispensing at least one materialcomprising: a body portion and a tube portion, the body portion having ahollow tubular portion, said hollow tubular portion having a radialdirection and an axial direction, said hollow tubular portion having atleast two locking members extending from said hollow tubular portionalong said axial direction distally away from the remainder of said bodyportion said at least two locking members comprising a distal end whichis distal from the hollow tubular portion for forming a temporarylocking engagement with at least a portion of an external force applyingmember, said distal end further connected to a circular ring locatedmore distally from the hollow tubular portion than said at least twolocking members' most distal portions are from said hollow tubularportion by means of connectors, wherein said circular ring is attachedto the body portion by means of vertical rods, the tube portionextending from the body portion at a point which is distal to the atleast two locking members of the body portion, said tube portionincluding, in an increasingly distal successive arrangement, anaccessible compartment, a neck portion, and a finger portion, saidfinger portion comprising a corrugated portion; a force translatingmeans, at least a portion of the force translating means slidably housedwithin the finger portion, the force translating means configured forcontacting a portion of an external force applying member; and a tipportion configured to accept a quantity of a dispensable material. 19.The cartridge of claim 18 wherein, the material can be dispensed to alocation within the mammalian body.
 20. The cartridge of claim 19wherein the tip portion is configured for being deformed to at least onegeometry different from its initial geometry; and wherein the locationwithin the mammalian body is a periodontal pocket, a nasal cavity, asinus cavity, ear canal, brain, urethra, rectum, vaginal cavity, uterus,a tissue surrounding a finger nail or toe nail, a surgically createdcavity, a cavity resulting from a disease condition or process.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 19, wherein the corrugated portion within the tubeportion facilitates free movement of the finger portion succeeding thecorrugated portion so as to enable the tip to be moved from one spatialposition to at least one other spatial position.
 22. The apparatus ofclaim 21, wherein the corrugated portion is flexible.
 23. The apparatusof claim 18, wherein the corrugated portion enables free movement of thefinger portion succeeding the corrugated portion thereby affordingdifferent angles ranging from about 180 degrees to about 5 degreesbetween said finger portion and the neck portion and further allowingfor counterangling.
 24. The cartridge of claim 21, wherein thecorrugated portion enables extension of the finger portion.
 25. Thecartridge of claim 24, wherein the corrugated portion enables extensionof the finger portion.
 26. The cartridge of claim 24, wherein thematerial is selected from dry particles, a semi-solid substance, gel, aliquid, a thick liquid, or a combination thereof.
 27. The cartridge ofclaim 25, wherein the material is selected from dry particles, asemi-solid substance, gel, a liquid, a thick liquid, or a combinationthereof.
 28. The cartridge of claim 26, wherein the dry particlescomprise at least one therapeutic agent.
 29. The cartridge of claim 27,wherein the dry particles comprise at least one therapeutic agent. 30.The cartridge of claim 28, wherein the dry particles comprise aneffective amount of the at least one therapeutic agent, the therapeuticagent dispersed in a dry matrix comprising a biocompatible andbiodegradable polymer.
 31. The cartridge of claim 29, wherein the dryparticles comprise an effective amount of the at least one therapeuticagent, the therapeutic agent dispersed in a dry matrix comprising abiocompatible and biodegradable polymer.
 32. The cartridge of claim 30,wherein the therapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting ofan antibacterial, an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory agent, animmunosuppressive agent, an immunostimulatory agent, a dentinaldesensitizer, an odor masking agent, an immune reagent, an anesthetic,an antiseptic, a nutritional agent, an antioxidant, a lipopolysaccharidecomplexing agent, a peroxide, a bone growth stimulant, a fluoridatingagent, a hormone, a tissue growth factor and mixtures thereof.
 33. Thecartridge of claim 31, wherein the therapeutic agent is selected fromthe group consisting of an antibacterial, an antibiotic, ananti-inflammatory agent, an immunosuppressive agent, animmunostimulatory agent, a dentinal desensitizer, an odor masking agent,an immune reagent, an anesthetic, an antiseptic, a nutritional agent, anantioxidant, a lipopolysaccharide complexing agent, a peroxide, a bonegrowth stimulant, a fluoridating agent, a hormone, a tissue growthfactor and mixtures thereof.
 34. The cartridge of claim 32, wherein thetherapeutic agent has antibiotic activity.
 35. The cartridge of claim33, wherein the therapeutic agent has antibiotic activity.
 36. Thecartridge of claim 34, wherein the therapeutic agent comprises anantibiotic selected from the group consisting of a tetracycline, apharmaceutically acceptable salt of a tetracycline, hydrates of atetracycline and hydrates of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of atetracycline.
 37. The cartridge of claim 35, wherein the therapeuticagent comprises an antibiotic selected from the group consisting of atetracycline, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a tetracycline,hydrates of a tetracycline and hydrates of a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt of a tetracycline.
 38. The cartridge of claim 36, wherein thetherapeutic agent comprises a tetracycline selected from the groupconsisting of doxycycline, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt ofdoxycycline, hydrates of doxycycline and hydrates of a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt of doxycycline.
 39. The cartridge of claim 37, whereinthe therapeutic agent comprises a tetracycline selected from the groupconsisting of doxycycline, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt ofdoxycycline, hydrates of doxycycline and hydrates of a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt of doxycycline.
 40. The cartridge of claim 38, whereinthe therapeutic agent comprises tetracycline selected from the groupconsisting of minocycline, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt ofminocycline, hydrates of minocycline and hydrates of a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt of minocycline.
 41. The cartridge of claim 39, whereinthe therapeutic agent comprises tetracycline selected from the groupconsisting of minocycline, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt ofminocycline, hydrates of minocycline and hydrates of a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt of minocycline.
 42. The cartridge of claim 40, whereinthe therapeutic agent comprises from about 0.01 to about 75 parts byweight per 100 parts by weight of the particles.
 43. The cartridge ofclaim 41, wherein the therapeutic agent comprises from about 0.01 toabout 75 pans by weight per 100 parts by weight of the particles. 44.The cartridge of claim 42, wherein the therapeutic agent comprises fromabout 10 to about 70 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of theparticles.
 45. The cartridge of claim 43, wherein the therapeutic agentcomprises from about 10 to about 70 parts by weight per 100 parts byweight of the particles.
 46. The cartridge of claim 44, wherein theparticles have a diameter of from about 0.1 to about 1000 microns. 47.The cartridge of claim 43, wherein the particles have a diameter of fromabout 0.1 to about 1000 microns.
 48. The cartridge of claim 46, whereinthe particles have a diameter of from about 20 to about 120 microns. 49.The cartridge of claim 46, wherein the particles have a diameter of fromabout 20 to about 120 microns.